Birmingham University houses tornado victims

The University of Birmingham last night opened up one of its halls of residence to provide shelter for local residents forced out of their homes by a 130mph tornado.

Around 100 people spent the night at the university's Vale student halls of residence as the freak tornado swept across parts of the city.

Geoff Pringle, the university's director of hospitality and accommodation, said that while most people were expected to vacate the halls today, the university is on standby to house people over the weekend.

He said: "I am delighted that the university could be of assistance to people from all areas at a difficult time. There's been a real sense of community spirit."

Earlier this week, Birmingham was on standby to house people who had been evacuated from their homes following the terror raids in the city. Last year, when Birmingham ground to a standstill due to freezing temperatures, more than 250 residents slept overnight in university accommodation.

But the university's charitable streak goes back even further. The university pointed out that during the first world war, the Great Hall was transformed into a ward of the Southern General Military hospital, home to hundreds of wounded servicemen.